Which brings me to your other point (”What can you learn in these courses that you can’t learn from reading a lot with an observant eye and from writing practice?”). That’s a very ligitimate question. Here’s the deal: You have to keep in mind where I was back then. I was working for a company that expected me to bring a software product out of life support. They wanted me to revive the thing, and I had 6 months to do it. The focus on sales and quotas was unrelenting. I turned to copywriting and lead generation letters to leverage myself. I specically wanted information that could accelerate my sales progress. I wanted to keep my job, so I didn’t have the luxury of casually reading two dozen copywriting books over the course of a year or two. I needed good, practical info — and I needed it fast.

These programs did just that. They got me to my goal faster. Are they more expensive than traditional books? You betcha. But I had a high-priority need…and I was willing to pay that price. Looking back, I’m glad I did!

Is this a career course or a travel agency? (On top of that, the cliched writing is not very good.) Meanwhile Dan Kennedy’s touts “100% ‘No Weasel Clauses’ 12 Month Guarantee on all Success Resources!” Sounds overhyped and dubious.

@Ed - What can you learn in these courses that you can’t learn from reading a lot with an observant eye and from writing practice?

@ Logan - I grossed $163k in my first year as a FULL-TIME freelancer. I had been working the business part time for a couple of years before I quit my day job. Glad you felt inspired by the story, but please don’t feel inadequate. I’m no superstar. I honestly believe I did it because (a) I wanted it badly, (b) I only wanted to do this business if I could earn a good income, and (c) I felt confident that I could reach this level.

@ Rongen - Everyone’s different. I can’t imagine that every copywriter is a great speaker or wonderful at verbal communications. I’m a better writer than a speaker. As far as how to find a good copywriter to work with, network in your community or online. Look for writers that work with similar clients. Writers who seem to have a similar approach to the work, clients, deadlines, focus, etc. Contact a few of the ones who seem to be a good fit and arrange a phone call to get to know each other. Then , trust your instincts.

@ Banago - Yes, luck played a part. But hard work, focus, a great action plan, persistence and belief in myself were, I believe, just as important. Hope that doesn’t sound cheesy! I don’t think I knew any better…so I just charged ahead.

Are good speakers good in writing too?
Are good copywriters good in verbal communications too?

I agree that designers should have someone write for them. I experienced doing both too, but I couldn’t say that the project turns out great in terms of my word, grammar and punctuation.
As a designer and marketer I have ideas that could express on my proposals but how to make those easy and in less time is a BIG hardship.

What are the key-points on finding and dealing with copywriters?
What are the things a designer should get ready before contacting him for a project?
How to tell that he’s a good one (the right one) ?

Thanks in advance.